These charges are related to alleged offences involving 22 boys between the ages of 9 to 16. Prosecutors will not move ahead with charges involving three other alleged victims due to insufficient evidence, police said.

London's Chief Crown Prosecutor Baljit Ubhey said in a press statement: "The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and Crown Prosecution Service legal guidance on rape and child sexual abuse.

"We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest."